Founding Mother and Bride-To-Be

On July 19th 2014, myself and my fiancé, Vlad, held our engagement party at my future In-Laws' house in Kanata, just outside of Ottawa, Ont. It went off without a hitch and everyone had a blast. Clearly, it was a very emotional yet joyous time for both of our families and friends.

One thing that really struck me throughout the event, was how blessed I am to have the support of my sorority sisters, the ladies of Alpha Pi Phi, as I head into the next phase of my life.

It was pretty evident from all the beautiful, smiling faces at the party -- the same ones that I saw throughout my undergraduate career at Carleton University -- that sisterhood certainly does not end after graduation.

As an Alpha Pi Phi Founding Mother, active sister and former Social Chair for my Chapter, I developed a very strong bond with other collegiate women that I may not have met if it hadn't been for the Sorority. They became like my family or "home away from home" while I was at university; and, to this day, I still have a very special bond with my Alpha Pi Phi sisters.

Life after graduation brought about many new changes; It became a little harder to stay in touch with everyone, as my post-graduate life becomes hectic and challenging. I really do hold the sisterhood responsible for encouraging us alumnae to continue to foster those close friendships we made throughout our undergrad with one and other.

Still, to this day, I can rely on my sisters for anything, big or small. My two "Littles", Meghan C. and Ali P., both helped me out a ton in planning my engagement party, from lending me a dress to helping my future Mother-In-Law prepare the house for the event. Most people are lucky to have only one person who can be apart of their life in this way. It’s incredible that Alpha Pi Phi has been able to give me multiple friendships of this quality, and I count each one of them as a blessing.

Moving on from sorority philanthropy events, study sessions and formals; to graduation, job interviews and career advancements; to engagement parties, wedding celebrations and life accomplishments it's reassuring to know I will always have these ladies by my side. I wouldn't be the person I am today without Alpha Pi Phi and, although I am so excited to start my adult life with Vlad, it's even more joyous having my sisters' love and support.